Archives for September 16, 2012

‘”I think the biggest significance for us prior to [the lockout] was that it allows once we know we’re going to get started to get started with the full group,” Regier said, “and not have to concern ourselves with, in any kind of hurrying fashion, try and get a deal done with Tyler Ennis. It allows us to focus on the preparation of the game versus any contractual issues.”‘

‘”We spoke [Saturday] and determined that there was no point in convening a formal bargaining session in light of the fact that neither side is in a position to move off of its last proposal,” Bill Daly, deputy commissioner of the NHL, said in New York. “I’m sure we will keep in touch in the coming days and schedule meetings to the extent they might be useful or appropriate. We are sorry for where we are. Not what we hoped or expected.”‘

‘This dispute, as ridiculous as it has been since the beginning, could last considerably longer than many have anticipated. The Winter Classic has been held up as a pressure point, and maybe it’s true. Still, nobody should be shocked if owners hunker down for much longer or wipe out another hockey season.’

‘Ennis led the club with a plus-11 rating, totaling 15 goals and 34 points in 48 games a season ago. He was out of the lineup from October 22 until December 2 due to a sprained ankle, and was also absent from December 17 to January 31.’

‘I’m hearing the cap hit will cost the Sabres $2,812,500. That puts the Sabres cap this season at $64,150,027 for 23 players which is $6,049,973 under this year’s cap as it stands right now. That could come down depending on the new collective bargaining agreement when it’s finally agreed to.’

‘Sabres defenseman Christian Ehrhoff said, “It’s pretty frustrating to us. In our point of view the league is doing pretty well. Its revenues have been at an all time high, the fans are really happy with where the game’s at and to have another work stoppage is pretty frustrating.”’

‘”We actually thought creatively in 04-05 when most other businesses were scaling back, our ownership thought that was a good time to invest. I think the biggest difference between now and 04′, not only for us but for the city in general is that there’s more of a critical mass downtown now,” says Pearl Street Grill & Brewery owner Roy Bakus.’

‘”Tyler is a very important part of our offense and we are very happy to have him signed,” Regier said. “He has progressed as a player over the past few seasons and we are excited to see his growth both as a person and professional in the years to come.”‘